Chaos what does it look like? IT is defined as "complete disorder and confusion." I know that my chaos is not the same as another persons. It is unique to each person and how they handle stress. There are days I do not know which way is up or down and that is not because I am directionally challenged. It is because I am always trying to keep track of kids, are they were they are supposed to be? I am constantly remembering if I got everything they need; lunch money, coats, papers signed for school, getting to school on time, diaper bag and everything that goes in it. I feel like I have become a taxi driver, chief, maid, bookie, nurse, librarian, and the list feels like it just goes on and on... I know sometimes chaos seems like a storm, and when it gets out of control it is a mega storm. I think they are one in the same. My chaos is from the day to day things that life throws at me, either being my kids, my job, my finances, or family.
Jesus had chaos and much of it! I am reminded of the time when Jesus was in the boat in Mark 4. This story shows us two principles that will help us in our chaos!The first is to REST in the midst! "But
he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and
said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing."" There have been many times I have felt like I was drowning, with the to do list growing and the lack of help I had. I was always in panic state, trying to rush and get everything resolved! I did not ask for help because I did not know how to, I figured I could do it on my own. I was drowning emotionally! Thankfully I was rescued. I have a new outlook and have tried new things to stay afloat. First is to ask for help, period! It is not shameful and it is okay to have your children help around the house. The second is I have learned to let GO! This has been very hard for me as I tend to hold onto everything. This is freeing not just for you, but the people around you. You will not build up anger and blowup like a grenade... yes I have done this. It is difficult I will be the first to admit that raising a blended family is not easy. Many times there have been disagreements over the kids, but allowing myself to just let things go has been a huge help. And No I am not talking about being walked over, or that my thoughts and opinions do not matter, they do! I just cannot hold onto things I cannot change. The third is so be in a full attitude of prayer. In everything prayerfully take steps closer towards Him.
Once we learn to really REST, we need to know who provides that rest. Jesus was asleep in the midst with not one worry! "He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” How do we know that Jesus is the provider of rest? His word demonstrates it.
Psalms 23 "The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever."
Matthew 6:25 "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today."
Scripture is a great way to find the promises of God, we can also know His rest in the Holy Spirit! It may seems like madness to some not to know what tomorrow holds and not to worry about it. I believe it can also be freeing. When we lose worry we lose fear, chaos, and doubt. There is true rest in His presence, just lean on Him, and find His Shalom. Peace is available and ready for you!Your chaos is not your life and not who you are. Be set free!
